ERII Capital Campaign
Building the workforce behind America’s mineral future
ERII is launching an approximately $11 million capital campaign to create the facilities, equipment, and collaborative infrastructure needed to prepare the next generation of mineral professionals.
This two-phase investment will establish ERII’s permanent headquarters in Golden, Colorado, and build the future Drill Core Academy—a dedicated center for hands-on geoscience and mineral-industry training.
Why now
The mineral industry needs a stronger workforce pipeline
Demand for Earth’s resources is accelerating, while the workforce needed to discover and develop them is falling behind.
Meeting this challenge requires professionals who combine foundational field expertise with emerging technologies—and stronger pathways connecting education, research, and industry.
ERII is a workforce-development nonprofit connecting education and industry through applied training, research, innovation, and collaboration. We prepare students and early-career professionals to combine essential technical knowledge with the technologies transforming mineral exploration and mining.
This campaign will give ERII the physical infrastructure to expand that work.
An $11 million investment in workforce infrastructure
The ERII Capital Campaign will support two complementary facilities designed to move students and professionals from education into confident, industry-ready practice.
ERII Headquarters
Approximately $4.5 million
ERII’s 7,427-square-foot headquarters in Golden will bring the Institute’s people, programs, and partners together under one roof.
Campaign investment will support:
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Architectural and building-system improvements
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Asbestos abatement and interior renovation
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Offices for ERII leadership, staff, and researchers
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Student and collaborative workspaces
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Flexible training, lecture, and event space
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The Mineral Innovation Hub and shared research laboratory
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Technology, furnishings, and equipment
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Transportation and initial operating support
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Offices and collaborative space for industry partners
The headquarters is more than an office. It is the physical infrastructure for delivering ERII’s mission.
Drill Core Academy
Approximately $6.5 million
The Drill Core Academy will preserve essential geological expertise and provide hands-on training in drill-core logging, geological and structural interpretation, sampling, digital technologies, and integrated exploration workflows.
Phase One: Programs will begin through the ERII Headquarters and partner sites.
Phase Two: The Academy will expand into a dedicated training facility designed around drill core and applied geoscience education.
Campaign investment will support:
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Land acquisition
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Architectural and systems design
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Construction and permitting
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Core-logging and instructional space
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Classrooms, technology, and training equipment
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Drill-core collections and handling infrastructure
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Initial operating support
This phased approach allows ERII to begin delivering practical training now while building toward a nationally significant center for applied geoscience education.
Workforce Development
Attract, prepare, and retain the next generation of mineral professionals through scholarships, mentoring, applied education, and hands-on technical training.
Research and Innovation
Connect researchers, industry experts, students, and emerging technologies to address real challenges in mineral discovery and development.
Outreach and Convening
Bring universities, industry, educators, and communities together through courses, field experiences, lectures, workshops, and collaborative events.
Build the future with us
Campaign gifts may be made by individuals, companies, foundations, and other organizations committed to strengthening the mineral resources workforce.
Every contribution advances the people, programs, and infrastructure needed to build a stronger mineral workforce.
Recognition and naming opportunities
ERII plans to recognize the individuals, companies, and organizations whose investments make this vision possible.
Depending on gift level and availability, recognition opportunities may include:
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Permanent campaign recognition
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Named spaces and facilities
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Invitations to openings, demonstrations, and special events
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Leadership briefings and campaign impact updates
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Recognition in campaign and institutional materials
Potential naming opportunities include laboratories, classrooms, collaborative spaces, conference areas, student facilities, and other campaign priorities.
Naming and recognition arrangements are subject to availability, gift agreements, and ERII approval.
Equipment and in-kind partnerships
The campaign also includes opportunities to contribute equipment, materials, technology, and professional services.
Priority in-kind needs may include:
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Drill core and geological materials
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Core tables and handling equipment
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Core scanners and analytical technologies
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Laboratory and research equipment
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Computers and technical infrastructure
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Classroom and office furnishings
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Vehicles and field equipment
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Architectural, engineering, and professional services
ERII will evaluate proposed in-kind contributions based on campaign priorities, suitability, and anticipated long-term use.
Support programs today
Organizations interested in supporting ERII’s current students, training, research, and events do not need to wait for the campaign facilities to be completed.
Annual program partnerships are available beginning at $5,000 and can support:
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Student scholarships and sponsorships
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Field and technical training
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Applied research
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Professional development
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Events and knowledge exchange
Join us in building what comes next
The mineral resources sector needs talented people, practical training, stronger partnerships, and places where knowledge can move into application.
With your support, ERII can build the workforce infrastructure required to prepare students, preserve essential expertise, advance innovation, and strengthen the connections between education and industry.
Join us in building the workforce behind America’s mineral future.
ERII is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Campaign goals, facility plans, budgets, recognition opportunities, and project timelines remain subject to final design, engineering, fundraising, and approval.
